Nike Debuts Its First 3D-Printed Football Cleat

Nike has revealed the company's first 3D-printed plate designed to help football players perform at their best. The Nike Vapor Laser Talon weighs 5.6 ounces, which attributes to an athlete's acceleration and speed.

In designing the revolutionary product, the company worked with trainers and gold-medal sprinter Michael Johnson. In the sneaker labs, researchers found the first steps that an athlete takes on the field or during a game are the most important.

"In the moments before that first step hits the turf, his propulsion and acceleration speed are determined. At that point, it’s all about geometry," MJP Performance Director, Lance Walker said.

The flexible and sturdy cleat allows footballers to maintain their drive position longer and more efficiently, according to Nike. Each cleat is shaped with Selective Laser Sintering (SLS) technology, which uses high-powered lasers to construct a three-dimensional shape out of small particles -- and building the ideal shoe for a 40-yard dash.